Game On starts the new Women of W.A.R series featuring women who play
Aussie Rules football. Here an in-control sports agent clashes with an
ambitious female athlete and sparks fly. Control slips and guards come
down as emotion begins to seep into what was a one night stand.

Angie has been dreaming of playing professional women's Aussie Rules
football for as long as she can remember. She's strong, forthright and
dedicated. I liked that Angie dealt with things head on, not afraid to
call a spade a spade. I admired her ambition and passion for the sport,
and her work ethic with her job, and the way she balanced the two.
She's also not afraid to take risks and go after what she wants, so I'm
glad she was confident enough to confront Jaxon when he was being a
jerk. And despite not having the support she wanted, she never let that
stop her. She set goals, took risks and accomplished lots.

Jaxon is a control freak. He's also got a wounded heart from losing
someone very dear to him, making him afraid to take risks. Even without
taking risks, Jaxom is successful and at the top of his profession. He
has an honesty and sincerity to him that I liked. Even when he was
hurting and confused, he didn't run from a confrontation, and he told
the truth. I'm glad that despite his fears, eventually, Jaxon was able
to admit his feelings and was willing to take a risk with them.

Since I don't know much about Aussie Rules football, much of the sports
aspects of the story went right over my head but I think there was
enough of the technical aspects of the game included to satisfy fans of
the game. Don't ask me if any of it is correct, because I do not know,
but I'm sure Ms Marsh did her homework and got it right. I'm also glad
to see the focus of this series being about women in prominent sporting
positions in what's been a mostly male dominated sport. It's very
empowering.

This is a quick and sexy read, and it has a decent enough of a happy
ending (although a bit rushed) to keep my romantic heart satisfied. I'm
off to read the other books in the series.

Long Game
My rating:
Heat rating:

Long Game moves us to Sydney and features Cress who plays for the
Sydney Sirens. As Cress adjusts to city life and her best friend Quin,
she needs to decide, does she focus purely on the game or does she also
open her heart to love?

I've never been one to read too many sports romances although I think
I'd like to but I'm not much into sports in general aside from enjoying
the Australian Open tennis season a great deal. I enjoyed learning more
about Aussie Rules football and getting a deeper glimpse into the life
and training of the players who are dedicated to the game. Ms Evans
certainly shined a light on the dedication, athleticism and training
required to be a successful, top player. And of course, showcasing the
support of women players joining the ranks of a predominantly
male-oriented game.

Cress was a great heroine. She's down-to-earth and dedicated. She's
also crazy about Quin but she keeps her feelings to herself for a very
long time - not wanting to jeopardise their friendship and wanting to
focus on the game and her training. I, at times, wished that the
romance between Cress and Quin had moved along faster and they both
grasped the opportunity to be a couple sooner instead of shying away
from their feelings. However, seeing them as friends was also
wonderful. They understood each other and supported each other like no
one else could.

I liked Quin a lot. He's put together, sensible, gorgeous and an all
around nice guy. Solid and dependable. Quin hasn't let the fame get to
his head from being a famous sports personality, except for one
unfortunate incident. It takes Cress's understanding and support to
help him get over his anxiety that arises from that incident. Quin and
Cress were great together. I was so happy when they finally worked out
how they felt and Quin made a move.

This story has a happy ending although a happy for now rather than a
happy ever after. I understand why that was the case given both Cress
and Quin's careers but I have to admit I'm pretty much a happy ever
after kind of gal so I wanted more but Cress and Quin were committed to
each other that would have to do me.

I'm enjoying this series and learning more about these women playing a
sport that was traditionally dominated by men. It's liberating and
empowering. Looking forward to the next book.

Fair Game
My rating:
Heat rating:

Fair Game takes us to Brisbane and the Brisbane Banshees, another
women's Aussie Rules football team. This time Darcy has to see past
Levi's friendship and support to the love beneath. Is she brave enough
to embrace both his love and her desire to play professional football?
Will she have to choose between the two?

I started out feeling impatient with Levi and Darcy as they danced
around their attraction for each other. And then my frustration
ratcheted up another notch when Darcy's ex came back into the picture
and started making moves on her. That put a sour taste in my mouth and
had me wanting to skim through the story. Her ex was a total douche
canoe. Fortunately, Ms Andrews didn't linger there too long but at the
same time, I wanted Darcy and Levi to get a move on.

I loved Levi. He's kind, supportive and understanding. He's total best
friend material and unfortunately, while he's in love with Darcy, he's
also friend-zoned himself. Willing to have her in his life any way he
can. Levi has the patience of a saint. He really does. While he's
waiting for Darcy to finish her football season and come to her senses
about her feelings for him, he's willing to wait for her. And he's even
willing to wait further when Darcy decides her football career is more
important. That made me a bit cross with Darcy because why can't she
have both? Women can multi-task and have a life as well as a career.

Darcy frustrated me, if you haven't guessed that already. She's
dedicated and hardworking, and totally focused on her football career
to the exclusion of all else. She doesn't think she can have both, it's
either one or the other. When faced with a terrible injury, she was
determined and focused about getting back into playing shape. I admired
her willpower in getting over her injury. On the relationship front, I
wanted to shake her.

I'm glad I took a chance with this series. I've enjoyed the stories and
I've enjoyed learning more about the sport, and seeing the sacrifices
these women have to make in order to play a sport they love and be
nationally recognised. I've only recently come to realise that there's
an Australian Women's Rugby League who represent Australia on the world
stage. I think I'm going to have to find out more about them. They've
been around since the mid-90s. I like it when real life and romance
intersect. If you're looking for a sports romance and wanting a story
that features women in sports, I recommend this series.

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About Me

I love all things beauty and makeup, reading and books, and also have a keen interest in cooking and food. Combined with a husband who loves wine, we write a number of blogs that align with our interests. I have two blogs: Deanna's World which focuses on all things books and beauty, and Daz In The Kitchen which is my cooking and food blog. I hope you visit and stay around.

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